North Carolina State University, PNC Arena and Raleigh, N.C., are proud to host the 2016 NCAA® Division I Men's Basketball Championship First and Second Rounds at PNC Arena on March 17 and 19, including the return of the Hoops and Hops FanFest. Join us for March Madness! Check out our insider tips below and make the most out of your experience in Raleigh.

Tournament TicketsAll-session and single-session tickets are available and can be purchased here. Each guest, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue. For more information, please contact the North Carolina State University ticket office at 919.865.1510 or via email.

Hoops and Hops FanfestThe Hoops and Hops FanFest at PNC Arena will open 2.5 hours before each session on March 17 and 19. It will close shortly before tip-off and reopen soon thereafter to serve fans who may be arriving for the later games and those wanting to relax outside. Hoops and Hops FanFest includes four locations where fans attending the NCAA sessions can partake in food, beverages, entertainment and catching up on other tournament games:

Hops House: Features adult brews, soft drinks, food and big screen TVs to watch NCAA Regional games. Persons under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult in order to enter the tent.

Game Watch: A video wall will display NCAA Regional games.

Food Truck Brigade: The Food Truck Brigade features many of the area's most loved food trucks.

Fan Activity Zone: Features cornhole boards and basketball hoops for fans vying for bragging rights. A face painter and photo booth will also be in the action.

Admission and ParkingFor event and parking information, visit the NCAA event details page. Admission to the FanFest is free; parking is $20.

Author: Lacie Lindstaedt

Lacie is a Raleigh transplant who has fallen in love with the city. She spends most of her free time with her two dogs, exploring downtown and trying to stay on top of the ever-evolving local music scene.